しかし

しかし
conjunction
however, but
1. however, but, nevertheless
A formal conjunction used to introduce contrast or contradiction. More formal than でも.
しかし、難(むずか)しい。
However, it's difficult.
高(たか)いです。しかし、いい物(もの)です。
It's expensive. However, it's a good product.
雨(あめ)が降(ふ)っています。しかし、出(で)かけます。
It's raining. However, I'll go out.
彼(かれ)は若(わか)いです。しかし、仕事(しごと)がとても上手(じょうず)です。
He is young. However, he is very good at his job.
この店(みせ)は有名(ゆうめい)です。しかし、値段(ねだん)が高(たか)いので、あまり行(い)きません。
This shop is famous. However, since the prices are high, I don't go often.

しかし is a conjunction meaning 'however' or 'but' that introduces a contrasting or opposing statement.

FORMALITY SCALE:

  • でも: casual, conversational
  • しかし: formal, written/spoken
  • しかしながら: very formal, literary
  • けれども/けれど/けど: neutral to casual

USAGE:
しかし typically begins a new sentence to contrast with the previous one. It's common in essays, news articles, and formal speeches.

POSITION:
Always appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

EXAMPLE PATTERN:
[Statement A]。しかし、[Contrasting statement B]。

RELATED:

  • ところが: 'however' (with unexpected result)
  • だが: 'but' (masculine, written)
  • ただし: 'however' (adds exception/condition)
basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:29 · Revised 2026.2.21 11:27
00500/00986_shikashi